I have a vague memory of reading 'Augustus and His Smile' with Girl Child a few years ago and really loving it. I adore Catherine Rayner's illustration style - how you can see the sketching and experimenting that goes into each picture and yet they are still all so realistic. I think it's a really good way of showing children that art doesn't have to be 'perfect' in the conventional sense to be beautiful and evocative. There are pencil lines showing and paint bleeding and yet each illustration is a joy to look at. I may well point this out to my perfectionist five year old!
The reason I chose this book for Toddler is because, as well as introducing counting, it introduces feelings. It's very important to me that both my children grow up to be emotionally literate - to recognise feelings in themselves and others and respond appropriately. While feelings do come up in many board books, I was impressed at the range of emotions covered by this little book - it goes beyond the usual 'happy' and 'sad' to show various more subtle emotions such as curiosity and surprise.
At the moment Toddler isn't as in love with the book as I am - he prefers rhyming books, or books with actions - but I might revisit this book when he's a little older as I just love the gentle way it introduces different emotional states. And the illustrations are just lovely - the detail in every page is so fascinating to study.
It's not often you find a counting book worth writing about but this is definitely one. It's so lovely to read, to look at, to talk about and has a depth you rarely get with counting books. As soon as Toddler is showing more of an interest in numbers I'll be getting this book again!
Linking up with #ReadWithMe hosted by Mama Mummy Mum and Kids Love To Read #KLTR hosted by Laura's Lovely Blog and The Inspiration Edit.
We borrowed this from the library too! Such a big Catherine Rayner fan and you are totally right that it is such a lovely counting book! #readwithme
ReplyDeleteI just picked up one in the library sale today :) #readwithme #kltr
DeleteOh this is so sweet, beautiful illustrations to look at whilst a child learns at the same time. Thanks for sharing with #readwithme
ReplyDeleteIt really is beautiful, love Catherine Rayner's work! #readwithme
DeleteWe have this book too, it's so beautiful. I adore the illustrations, they are so tranquil and it is definitely a counting book that stands out from the rest. #readwithme
ReplyDeleteI'm very tempted to get our own copy,it's such a lovely book! #readwithme
DeleteThis book looks gorgeous. I hope your little one grows to love it. #KLTR
ReplyDeleteoh I have never read this book before. it looks great and is good for basic maths too. It sounds good that it introduces feelings. That is a good thing to be able to learn as a child. Thanks for linking to #KLTR
ReplyDeleteOh what lovely illustrations, you can often find some real jems at the library can't you? Thanks for linking up to #KLTR
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